That's what we need nowadays, is more children that have goals

"That's what we need nowadays, is more children that have goals other than being a sports figure or some kind of celebrity." These words from Joe Nichols strike at the heart of a growing truth about the modern world—a world where the pursuit of fame and celebrity has come to overshadow more noble ambitions, such as the quest for knowledge, wisdom, or service. Nichols’ plea is a call to refocus, to guide the younger generation away from the shallow allure of fame and towards more meaningful pursuits. He reminds us that true greatness does not lie in celebrity status but in the depth of one’s character, the purpose one follows, and the contributions one makes to the world around them.

In the ancient world, fame was not sought for its own sake but for the achievement of great deeds. Consider the example of Socrates, who was not interested in the limelight of public acclaim but in the pursuit of truth and wisdom. His life was dedicated to questioning, to deepening his understanding, and to sharing his discoveries with others. Socrates did not seek to become a celebrity, nor did he chase after the fleeting pleasures of fame. His true goal was to live a life of virtue and to contribute to the well-being of his society through the pursuit of knowledge. Even when condemned to death, he did not shrink from his principles, for he had already achieved the greatness that comes not from external validation, but from internal integrity.

The desire for celebrity, as Nichols observes, is not a new phenomenon. In the ancient world, the people of Rome and Greece often celebrated great heroes, not for their glory alone, but for their deeds and their impact on society. Alexander the Great, for example, was not only celebrated for his conquests but for his vision of a world united by knowledge and culture. His ambition was not merely to win battles, but to create a legacy that would endure, to leave behind a world shaped by ideas and philosophy. His fame was the result of his actions, not the pursuit of fame itself. He sought to build something greater than himself—an empire of thought, culture, and progress.

In modern times, the pursuit of fame often leads people, especially the youth, down a path where self-worth is measured by public recognition, by social media likes, or by brand names. Joe Nichols’ concern is a warning that when children grow up aspiring to become mere celebrities or sports figures, they may lose sight of the deeper, more fulfilling goals that have shaped history and culture for millennia. What has happened to the idea of becoming a philosopher, a scientist, a teacher, or a healer? Why is the image of the scientist or the artist no longer as revered as the athlete or the star? This shift in values is both subtle and profound, and Nichols’ words challenge us to rethink the paths we encourage young people to follow.

The great thinkers of history, from Leonardo da Vinci to Marie Curie, did not seek fame but rather discovery. They were driven by the pursuit of truth, by the desire to push the boundaries of human understanding, and to leave behind knowledge that would serve humanity long after they were gone. Da Vinci, for instance, was not a man who sought the applause of the masses; rather, he spent his days sketching, experimenting, and pondering, driven by a curiosity and passion that transcended the notion of fame. His true legacy lies in the ideas and inventions he left behind, not in the accolades or recognition he might have received in his time.

Let us now turn to the lesson embedded in Nichols’ words: Purpose matters more than fame. As the philosophers and warriors of old knew, the pursuit of personal glory is fleeting and often hollow, but the pursuit of something greater than oneself endures. In today’s world, we must instill in the next generation the understanding that true greatness comes not from being seen or admired, but from the meaning and impact of one’s work. The youth of today should be taught that to be a scientist, a thinker, or a humanitarian is just as valuable—if not more so—than being a celebrity or sports hero. We must encourage them to seek out goals that will leave behind a lasting and meaningful legacy, a legacy that contributes to the common good rather than to the fleeting joys of public adoration.

In practical terms, this means we must lead by example. Encourage young people to pursue their passions, but not just the ones that promise fame or riches. Help them find meaningful work—whether it’s in the arts, the sciences, or in public service—that allows them to contribute to something larger than themselves. Teach them that true success is not about the number of followers they have or the endorsements they receive, but about the legacy of knowledge, compassion, and integrity they leave behind. Create a world where the pursuit of excellence, in any form, is celebrated above the shallow pursuit of fame. Only then will the next generation have the strength and wisdom to build a world worthy of their potential.